Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday delivered a forceful address to lawmakers, condemning Nigeria’s escalating security crises and calling for national unity as the country approaches the 2027 general elections. The Senate leader emphasized the legislature’s duty to safeguard citizens, citing widespread kidnappings, violent attacks, and natural disasters that have displaced communities and eroded public trust in governance.
Akpabio’s remarks came during the resumption of plenary sessions after a nine-week recess, a period marked by continued violence across the nation. He expressed deep sorrow for victims of kidnappings, terror attacks, and floods, stating, “To those who mourn, to those who wait and to those who have been driven from their homes, we offer our sympathy. But sympathy alone cannot discharge our duty.” His speech underscored the Senate’s constitutional obligation to act decisively on security and humanitarian issues.
The Senate president highlighted the alarming scale of kidnappings, citing data from SBM Intelligence that 7,825 people were abducted in 1,411 incidents between July 2025 and June 2026, with over ₦7.78 billion paid in ransoms. He specifically condemned attacks on schools, noting that in May 2026, armed assailants kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, holding them for 56 days before a military operation secured their release.
Akpabio also condemned violence against places of worship, referencing January 2026 attacks on three churches in Kaduna State’s Kurmin Wali area, where over 150 worshippers were abducted. Similar incidents targeted mosques in Niger State in August 2026, further destabilizing religious communities. “The Senate must examine what more must be done to end these infernal assaults upon our people,” he declared, vowing legislative action to strengthen security measures.
The leader extended condolences to flood victims, stressing the need for better disaster preparedness. “When a farmer loses a harvest, our country loses food it can ill afford to spare. When a family loses its home, the nation has a stake in helping that family rise again,” he said, urging government agencies to prioritize relief efforts and infrastructure development.
Akpabio acknowledged the economic struggles of Nigerians, including the rising cost of living. He warned that legislative decisions must reflect the realities faced by ordinary citizens, from mothers budgeting meals to small business owners struggling to stay afloat. “They will judge our efforts by what changes in their lives,” he said, calling for policies that address systemic economic challenges.
Ahead of the 2027 elections, Akpabio urged political candidates to avoid divisive rhetoric and violence. “No electoral prize is worth a Nigerian life,” he asserted, condemning intimidation and false narratives that threaten national cohesion. He emphasized that unity must prevail over partisan conflict, stating, “We can contend without setting community against community, faith against faith or one part of our Republic against another.”
The Senate president also called on lawmakers to maintain dignity and collaboration during the campaign season. “This Senate must show the way,” he said, noting the diversity of political affiliations within the chamber. “We shall continue to disagree, as a free Parliament must. Yet we must hear one another, conduct our affairs with dignity and fulfil our duties throughout the campaign season.”
Akpabio celebrated Nigeria’s 66th independence anniversary, urging citizens to honor the sacrifices of past generations. “We honour them most faithfully when we guard the freedom they helped secure and use it to enlarge the prospects of those who come after us,” he said, linking national unity to the preservation of democratic values.
The speech coincided with growing concerns over electoral integrity, as political campaigns for the 2027 polls have already begun. Akpabio’s call for ethical conduct came amid reports of corruption allegations against prominent figures, including former President Atiku Abubakar, whose legal battles with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) remain unresolved.
The Senate leader’s address also addressed the humanitarian crisis in flood-affected regions, where displaced families face inadequate relief. He criticized the slow response from local and federal authorities, stating, “Relief must reach the people for whom it is intended. When a family loses its home, the nation has a stake in helping that family rise again.”
Akpabio’s remarks reflect broader anxieties about Nigeria’s security landscape, where kidnappings, insurgency, and intercommunal violence have persisted despite government efforts. His emphasis on legislative action aligns with calls from civil society groups for stronger oversight of security agencies and accountability for failures in protecting citizens.
The Senate president’s speech concluded with a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s democratic aspirations. “By God’s grace, we shall keep faith with her, and with the people who sent us here,” he said, framing the 2027 elections as a pivotal moment for the nation’s future. His message underscored the urgency of addressing systemic challenges to ensure stability and progress.
The article draws on data from SBM Intelligence, military reports, and official statements from the Senate. It also references specific incidents, including the 2026 school kidnappings in Oyo State and attacks on religious institutions, to illustrate the scope of Nigeria’s security crises.
Akpabio’s call for unity comes as political tensions rise ahead of the 2027 polls, with parties vying for influence and citizens demanding transparency. His speech positioned the Senate as a critical actor in shaping policies that prioritize public safety and economic recovery.
The Senate leader’s focus on legislative reform highlights the need for comprehensive strategies to combat kidnapping, improve disaster response, and strengthen electoral integrity. His address serves as a reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria’s institutions and the importance of collective action to address them.
The final paragraph of the article reiterated Akpabio’s commitment to serving the nation, emphasizing that the Senate’s work must reflect the needs of all Nigerians. “We have returned to this Chamber because Nigeria’s work continues,” he said, framing the 2027 elections as an opportunity to rebuild trust and foster national solidarity.